The Best Jigsaw Puzzles to Gift in 2023

The best jigsaw puzzles to gift in 2023 are more than just a fun pastime – they’re a gateway to relaxation, creativity, and even a little bit of brain-boosting action. Whether you’re looking for a challenging puzzle for the seasoned puzzler or a whimsical one for a curious child, there’s a perfect jigsaw puzzle out there waiting to be discovered.

From intricate landscapes to captivating pop culture references, the world of jigsaw puzzles offers something for everyone. This year, we’ve curated a list of the best jigsaw puzzles for adults, children, and even those just starting their puzzle journey. We’ll explore unique themes, innovative features, and even some luxurious options that are sure to impress. So, get ready to dive into the world of jigsaw puzzles and find the perfect gift for any occasion.

The Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults

Jigsaw puzzles have long been a beloved pastime, offering a blend of challenge, relaxation, and satisfaction. But beyond the classic childhood activity, jigsaw puzzles have emerged as a popular hobby for adults, providing a range of benefits for both the mind and soul.

Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults

Jigsaw puzzles offer a unique blend of cognitive stimulation, stress relief, and social interaction, making them an excellent choice for adults seeking engaging and rewarding activities.

• Cognitive Enhancement: Jigsaw puzzles engage multiple cognitive functions, including problem-solving, spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and memory. They challenge your brain to analyze patterns, strategize, and develop solutions, helping to maintain cognitive sharpness and improve overall mental agility.
• Stress Reduction: The act of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle can be incredibly therapeutic. The focus required to identify and match puzzle pieces can help to quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm. It’s a form of mindfulness that allows you to escape the pressures of daily life and enter a state of relaxed concentration.
• Social Connection: Jigsaw puzzles can also be a great way to connect with others. Working on a puzzle together can foster teamwork, communication, and shared experiences, creating a sense of camaraderie and bonding. Whether you’re joining a puzzle club or simply enjoying a puzzle night with friends and family, jigsaw puzzles can be a fun and social activity.

Choosing the Right Jigsaw Puzzle

Selecting the right jigsaw puzzle depends on your individual preferences, skill level, and interests. Here are some factors to consider:

• Complexity: Jigsaw puzzles come in a wide range of piece counts, from a few hundred to thousands. Beginners might want to start with puzzles of 500-1000 pieces, while experienced puzzlers may enjoy the challenge of 1000+ pieces or even intricate puzzles with 3000 or more pieces. Some puzzles also incorporate different shapes or irregular pieces, adding another layer of complexity.
• Theme: Jigsaw puzzles feature a vast array of themes, catering to diverse interests. From stunning landscapes and captivating cityscapes to whimsical illustrations and iconic movie scenes, you’ll find puzzles that resonate with your passions. Consider your personal interests, such as nature, art, history, or pop culture, when choosing a puzzle.
• Artistic Style: The artistic style of a puzzle can greatly influence its appeal. Some puzzles feature realistic photographs, while others showcase vibrant illustrations, intricate patterns, or abstract designs. Explore different styles to find those that visually stimulate and engage you.

Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults

This table highlights some of the best jigsaw puzzles for adults, categorized by complexity, theme, and price range. These puzzles are highly rated by reviewers and offer a diverse range of challenges and artistic styles.

Puzzle	Complexity	Theme	Price Range
Ravensburger – The Magic of Disney’s Frozen II 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Medium	Movie	$15-$25
Buffalo Games – The Beatles: Abbey Road 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Medium	Music	$15-$25
White Mountain Puzzles – Monet’s Water Lilies 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Medium	Art	$15-$25
Gibsons – The Great British Seaside 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Medium	Travel	$15-$25
Springbok Puzzles – The World of Beatrix Potter 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Medium	Children’s Literature	$15-$25
Educa – The Night Sky 2000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Hard	Astronomy	$25-$35
Heye – The Cat’s Meow 3000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle	Very Hard	Animals	$35-$45

Unique and Thematic Jigsaw Puzzles: The Best Jigsaw Puzzles To Gift In 2023

For those who crave a more immersive and engaging puzzling experience, themed jigsaw puzzles offer a world of possibilities. These puzzles go beyond simple images, weaving narratives, historical moments, or pop culture references into every piece.

Thematic puzzles can cater to diverse interests, transforming the act of puzzling into an exploration of a specific theme. This exploration can be anything from the grandeur of historical events to the fantastical realms of mythology.

Unique Features in Thematic Puzzles

Thematic puzzles often incorporate unique features that enhance the puzzling experience. These features can range from glow-in-the-dark pieces that reveal hidden details to 3D elements that add a tactile dimension to the puzzle.

Some puzzles also incorporate hidden messages, requiring puzzle solvers to decipher codes or uncover secret clues. This element of surprise adds an extra layer of engagement and challenge, turning the puzzle into a mini-adventure.

Examples of Thematic Jigsaw Puzzles

Here are some examples of thematic jigsaw puzzles that incorporate unique features:

Theme	Complexity	Price Range	Unique Features
Historical Events	Medium to Difficult	$20-$50	Detailed illustrations, vintage imagery, hidden messages
Pop Culture References	Easy to Medium	$15-$30	Iconic characters, memorable scenes, glow-in-the-dark pieces
Fantasy Worlds	Medium to Difficult	$25-$60	3D elements, intricate designs, hidden details
Art Reproductions	Medium to Difficult	$30-$70	High-quality images, detailed pieces, limited edition releases

“Thematic puzzles offer a unique opportunity to engage with a specific topic or interest while enjoying the satisfaction of completing a challenging puzzle.”

Jigsaw Puzzles for Children

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and engaging activity for children of all ages. They can help develop essential skills, such as problem-solving, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning. When choosing jigsaw puzzles for children, it’s important to consider their age and developmental stage.

Jigsaw Puzzles for Toddlers (1-3 Years Old)

Toddlers are just starting to develop their fine motor skills and spatial reasoning abilities. Puzzles designed for this age group should have large, chunky pieces that are easy to grasp and manipulate. They should also feature bright colors and familiar images that will capture their attention.

• Themes: Animals, vehicles, everyday objects, and popular children’s characters are all great choices. Look for puzzles with simple shapes and a limited number of pieces.
• Educational Benefits: Puzzles for toddlers help develop hand-eye coordination, shape recognition, and problem-solving skills.
• Safety Features: Ensure the puzzle pieces are large enough to prevent choking hazards. Choose puzzles made from non-toxic materials.

Jigsaw Puzzles for Preschoolers (3-5 Years Old)

Preschoolers are ready for more challenging puzzles with smaller pieces and more complex designs. They are also starting to develop their language and vocabulary skills.

• Themes: Puzzles featuring letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and simple stories are all excellent options. Look for puzzles with a clear image and a moderate number of pieces.
• Educational Benefits: Puzzles for preschoolers help develop fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills. They can also introduce children to basic concepts such as colors, shapes, and numbers.
• Safety Features: Ensure the puzzle pieces are large enough to prevent choking hazards. Choose puzzles made from non-toxic materials.

Jigsaw Puzzles for Elementary School Children (5-10 Years Old), The best jigsaw puzzles to gift in 2023

Elementary school children are ready for more complex and challenging puzzles. They are also starting to develop their critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.

• Themes: Puzzles featuring animals, historical figures, landmarks, and science concepts are all great choices. Look for puzzles with a variety of piece shapes and a larger number of pieces.
• Educational Benefits: Puzzles for elementary school children help develop fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They can also introduce children to new topics and broaden their knowledge base.
• Safety Features: Ensure the puzzle pieces are small enough to be manageable but not a choking hazard. Choose puzzles made from non-toxic materials.

Jigsaw Puzzles for Teens and Tweens (10-18 Years Old)

Teens and tweens are ready for puzzles that are both challenging and engaging. They may enjoy puzzles with a high number of pieces, intricate designs, and themes that reflect their interests.

• Themes: Puzzles featuring popular movies, video games, music, art, and science are all great choices. Look for puzzles with a high level of detail and a complex design.
• Educational Benefits: Puzzles for teens and tweens help develop fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
• Safety Features: Ensure the puzzle pieces are small enough to be manageable but not a choking hazard. Choose puzzles made from non-toxic materials.

Examples of Educational Jigsaw Puzzles for Children

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles: These puzzles are known for their high quality, durable construction, and engaging themes. They offer a wide range of options for different age groups, from simple shape puzzles for toddlers to more complex puzzles for older children.
• Ravensburger Puzzles: Ravensburger puzzles are known for their high-quality images and intricate designs. They offer a wide range of puzzles for children of all ages, including puzzles featuring popular characters, animals, and landscapes.
• Peaceable Kingdom Puzzles: Peaceable Kingdom puzzles are designed to promote positive social and emotional development. They feature themes such as kindness, empathy, and friendship.

Table of Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Children

Age Group	Theme	Educational Benefits	Example Puzzle
1-3 Years Old	Animals, Vehicles, Everyday Objects	Fine Motor Skills, Shape Recognition, Problem-Solving	Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles – Farm Animals Puzzle
3-5 Years Old	Letters, Numbers, Colors, Shapes, Simple Stories	Fine Motor Skills, Spatial Reasoning, Vocabulary, Problem-Solving	Ravensburger Puzzles – My First Puzzle – Animals Puzzle
5-10 Years Old	Animals, Historical Figures, Landmarks, Science Concepts	Fine Motor Skills, Spatial Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving	Peaceable Kingdom Puzzles – The Very Hungry Caterpillar Puzzle
10-18 Years Old	Popular Movies, Video Games, Music, Art, Science	Fine Motor Skills, Spatial Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving	Ravensburger Puzzles – 1000 Piece Puzzle – The Starry Night

Jigsaw Puzzles for Beginners

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and engaging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re new to the world of jigsaw puzzles, starting with a beginner-friendly puzzle is a great way to get started. These puzzles are designed to be less challenging, with larger pieces, clear images, and vibrant colors.

Beginner-friendly puzzles are perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing and rewarding experience. They offer a great way to unwind after a long day, improve your problem-solving skills, and boost your sense of accomplishment.

Choosing the Right Puzzle

Choosing the right jigsaw puzzle for beginners is crucial. It should be a puzzle that is enjoyable and engaging, but not too difficult to discourage you.

Here are some tips for choosing a jigsaw puzzle for beginners:

* Start with a smaller puzzle: Smaller puzzles, with fewer pieces, are easier to manage and can help you build confidence.
* Choose a puzzle with a clear image: Puzzles with vibrant colors and clear images are easier to assemble, as the pieces are more easily identifiable.
* Consider a puzzle with a simple design: Puzzles with simple designs, such as landscapes or still life, are often easier to complete than those with intricate details.

Beginner-Friendly Jigsaw Puzzles

The following table showcases some popular jigsaw puzzles for beginners, with their piece count, theme, and recommended age range:

Puzzle Name	Piece Count	Theme	Recommended Age Range
Ravensburger – Disney’s Frozen II – 100 Piece Puzzle	100	Disney’s Frozen II	5+
Buffalo Games – National Geographic – 1000 Piece Puzzle – Majestic Mountains	1000	Majestic Mountains	12+
Gibsons – 1000 Piece Puzzle – The Beach House	1000	Beach House	12+

Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips for completing a jigsaw puzzle as a beginner:

* Start with the edges: Start by assembling the edge pieces first, which will give you a frame to work with.
* Focus on one section at a time: Don’t try to complete the entire puzzle at once. Instead, focus on completing one section at a time.
* Use puzzle aids: There are many helpful puzzle aids available, such as sorting trays and magnifying glasses, that can make the process easier.
* Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling with a puzzle, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help.

With a diverse range of jigsaw puzzles available, from the intricately detailed to the playfully whimsical, you’re sure to find the perfect puzzle to spark joy and ignite the imagination. So, embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and embark on a puzzle adventure that will leave you feeling accomplished and entertained. Whether you’re gifting a puzzle to a seasoned puzzler or a curious beginner, the magic of jigsaw puzzles is sure to bring smiles and a sense of satisfaction to everyone involved.

Finding the perfect jigsaw puzzle to gift can be a challenge, but this year, consider the latest trends and personal interests. Maybe your friend is a tech enthusiast, and they’d love a puzzle featuring iconic gadgets or a scene from their favorite sci-fi movie. Or, perhaps they’re glued to the news cycle, and a puzzle depicting the recent legal drama, like the one where former Twitter CEO sues Elon Musk , might be a hit.

Whatever their passion, a jigsaw puzzle can offer a fun and engaging way to unwind and connect with their interests.